The Mononuclear Phagocyte System: A Dispersed Organ; Introduction and Comments.

Mononuclear phagocytes are widely distributed throughout the body and interact with other cellular systems to preserve homeostasis and health. Recent studies have revealed the remarkable plasticity and adaptability of their cellular recognition and trophic responses beyond phagocytosis and immunity. We invited several early-career investigators to review the nature and interactions of selected Mononuclear Phagocyte populations within established organ systems, apart from lympho-haematopoietic tissues. This special issue indicates that the Mononuclear Phagocyte System (MPS) can be considered on a par with Neuro-Endocrine and other physiologic organ systems in the mouse and human. As a guide to the context of individual reviews, we provide a concise overview of the field and suggestions for further reading and research.